Propagation: What Have You Winter Sown So Far? (Page 3), 2 by

wrote:
Crit, Here is how. Although they can be sown like iris seeds. I never sow directly in soil. I prefer the Deno method explained below.

Photo #1
Sprouted daylily seedling in a kitchen towel just prior to planting.

BEGIN BY SOAKING SEEDS OVER NIGHT IN HAND HOT WATER. This will plump up and soften the seedcoat.

I use a damp kitchen paper towel, cut in half and moistened. Squeeze out the excess water. Fold it in half. Place the seeds in a corner and fold one end over the seeds. Place this package in a small ziplock bag and zip it, leaving a small opening to blow air into the bag to fill like a balloon. Once filled, zip it closed. Place in fridge crisper for 3 weeks to stratify the seeds. After 2 weeks, check to see if any have begun to sprout, which sometimes they do. After 3 weeks, move to room temp to germinate.

Sprouting time depends on variety. At this point, check the seeds several times during the week, starting after the 3rd day. As soon as seeds have formed a radical (tiny roots forming) with a tweezer grasp the seed casing of those and transfer to seed flat or pot. Make a hole with a pencil and guide the root into the hole. Plant so the seed is 1/4" below the surface, 1" or more, apart. Be sure to place roots downwards in the hole. If the roots have grown into the paper towel, just tear around the roots and plant it. Do not try to remove the roots from the paper. The paper will eventually rot.

Photo #2
Seedlings transplanted to a 6-pack

Until the sprouted seeds have broken through the soil, they do not need light. However, once they do, grow them in a sunny window, under light, or place the flat outside in a protected area if weather is warm.

Photo #3
All are now growing under plant lights until it is safe to plant them outdoors.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them in a 3" pot. I use the 3" foam cups made for coffee. A screwdriver will easily punch drainage holes. The cups are cheap to buy at Walmart, or if used, save them from work. Plant outside when all danger of frost is past in your zone.

The earlier Daylilies and Irises are sown, the longer the growing time, which will produce earlier flowers.

Photo #4
Transplanted to my coldframe. Photo taken November 14, 2011. Here they will stay until next season.

Photo #5 Below is the first of my seedlings to bloom summer of 2011 at age18 month. It glowed. A polychrome like its pod parent Highland Pinched Fingers. It will be even better this season.